FTA / APSA - ADVOCACY

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) invites you to participate in this short survey designed to understand the challenges related to the submission of documents addressing Biosecurity matters. 

Specifically, we aim to understand the prevalence of false or fraudulent documents in the industry, how they are identified, and the outcomes of such cases.

Your insights will help shed light on this critical issue, enabling us to identify patterns, improve compliance mechanisms, and advocate for better industry / regulatory practices. READ MORE (includes survey link) Member login required

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have been invited by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) to make submissions into the following treaty actions:

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Australia and the United Arab Emirates 
Agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Australia on the Promotion and Protection of Investments

To share your views, please contact SMilici@FTAlliance.com.au by close of business Wednesday 15 January 2025 READ MOIRE

FTA / APSA - OUT & ABOUT

Grateful to all Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) members who joined the The SCT Group member breakfast last week. The event featured a fascinating site tour, showcasing the Intermodal Facility, Refrigerated Cross-Dock Facility, and the impressive in-house Rail Loco Maintenance Facility, complete with wheel lathing capabilities.

In a time of increasing vertical integration—where stevedores are expanding into national container transport—it's more important than ever for the industry to recognise these shifts and explore strategies that prioritise flexibility and competitiveness. Events like these provide an invaluable opportunity to reflect, learn, and connect.

A huge thank you to the SCT team particularly MATT ERYUREK, David Nash, Leyla Ilhan, Carla De Luca, and Jordan Smith for their exceptional efforts in organising and coordinating such a well-run event. The positive feedback has been overwhelming!

FTA / APSA - IN THE MEDIA

Freight & Trade Alliance have been collating data from various sources in relation to operating hours for service providers, shipping lines and government agencies over the coming Christmas / New Year period.

The information can be seen at the below link, however we remind all members to stay alert to notices from Containerchain and OneStop as well as monitoring the various web sites for changes to what has already been received. This list will be updated as more information comes to hand.
 READ MORE   Changes and Additions highlighted as **NEW

MAERSK - 2024/2025 Public Holidays and Free Time
Maersk will offer extended import and export demurrage & detention freetime during Public Holidays. This concession only applies where Public Holidays fall within a customer's agreed freetime period and in such cases, the freetime will be extended to include these days.
 

We thank you for your ongoing support in trusting Maersk as your supply chain partner. Should you have any questions please contact our Customer Experience Team via our  Live Chat channel.

FTA / APSA - TRAINING & EVENTS

FTA offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Continued Biosecurity Competency (CBC) training online for the customs broker licencing period 1 April to 31 March each year. The cost of an online training package is $150 (excl. gst) for member organisations with bulk discounts available on a sliding scale.

Licensed customs brokers not employed by a corporate FTA member, can purchase an Individual Membership which includes online CPD & CBC training for the cost of only $300 (excl. gst) per customs broker licensing period.

Australian Border Force (ABF) & Department of Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF) Mandatory CPD & CBC Modules

Customs Broker Licensing Period to 31 March 2025

ABF - The ABF Mandatory CPD module for the 2024/25 CPD is now live - READ MORE

DAFF - The DAFF Mandatory CBC Activity 24-25/01 (CPD0215) will go live on 17 February 2025 on the Department's Learnhub site. The assessment will be automatically made available on the FTA training platform "MYFTACPD"  under the 'Active" filter for FTA members that attended a 2024 CPD Border Compliance Program (complimentary) or for those that have purchased an online training package for the period ending 31 March 2025. You will be sent an email when the assessment has been uploaded for completion. The Assessment must be completed by Monday 17 March 2025.

Important:

DAFF have advised that the Mandatory CBC Activity 24-25/01 (CPD0215) will provide you with 2 CPD Points in Stream A. Please ensure you take this into consideration when completing your 30 CPD points for the customs broker licencing period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

LOGISTICS

WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC), developer of leading logistics execution software CargoWise, has announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire BSM Global, provider of global trade management (GTM) systems and solutions that connect companies with their trading partners globally. Headquartered in Australia, BSM is being acquired from private shareholders.        READ MORE

Warehouse and Depot Security Identification Card (WADSIC)

Veritas offers a comprehensive solution for customs depots and warehouse license holders to meet their WADSIC compliance obligations. By using a dedicated WADSIC portal, authorised representatives can effectively manage their personnel as prescribed in both ACN 2022/46 and ACN 2024/21.READ MORE

SEAFREIGHT

Notices:

AIRFREIGHT

ONE of China's largest airlines has relaunched a service between Guangzhou and Adelaide, opening up to 45 tonnes of cargo capacity each week for exports to China.

China Southern Airlines will be flying three times per week (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) between the two cities over the peak summer period from now until 1 March 2025.

The current intention is to return to a year-round service once demand increases.
READ MORE  (story credit DCN)

A NEW partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways is set to boost both cargo capacity and export opportunities for Australian businesses.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recently granted interim authorisation allowing the airlines to engage in cooperative conduct under an integrated alliance.

The partnership will see new international services direct from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and later Melbourne, to Doha (Qatar) starting June 2025.
READ MORE   (story credit DCN)

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) have received advice from dnata in regards to a revision of their schedule of fees effective 6 January 2025. READ MORE (login required)

Qantas Freight Operations

Please refer the Qantas Freight site for updates on operational matters. 

Notices:

BIOSECURITY

This issue contains information for Importers and Brokers on

• what goods are subject to the New, Unused and not Field Tested (NUFT) criteria and when a NUFT declaration can be utilised for your goods,

• tips for imports during the festive season,

• a reminder about the requirements for break bulk,

• how to manage mixed goods consignments,

• the ending of the 120 hour post treatment window for goods treated after 1 December 2024,

• transhipped goods and a reminder that treatment providers in target risk countries must be registered and approved under AusTreat. READ MORE

Cargo Operations Snapshot 

16 December Report   LOGIN REQUIRED 

Changes to Import Conditions for New and Aged/Used Oversize Tyres

As per import industry advice notice 120-2024, the department is changing the biosecurity import conditions for new and aged/used oversize tyres to address the continued detection of biosecurity risk material during oversize tyre inspections. READ MORE

In this issue, discover the vital role our biosecurity officers play in safeguarding Australia's agricultural industries, animals, plants, and the health and wellbeing of our nation. Learn how you can join the team dedicated to protecting Australia's future.

Read about an upcoming project to integrate imported food and safety requirements into BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions System). Find out about our digital declaration pilot program for travellers coming to Australia. READ MORE

Notices:

BORDER

Contact John Park to feature your organisation or service in an upcoming edition - prospectus HERE

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), along with members, have been discussing with Rachel Edwards, Superintendent, Enforcement Analytics, National Supply Chain Coordination and Reform - Australian Border Force (ABF) the issues confronting industry with the increase in "piggyback" shipments and the use of  ABN details. READ MORE

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has received advice from Australian Border Force (ABF) in relation to a CORRECTION to a recent publishing of an Engineered Stone Ban Information for Industry. Last week you received an email in relation to the 1 January 2025 prohibition of importing engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs.

We have been advised of a correction to the newsletter, specifically correcting the sample size dimensions (thickness). READ MORE
 

Notices:

TRADE

Trade Data Updates Week Ending 16th December 2024

National ports, the Australian Bureau of statistics and data from other sources  
LOGIN REQUIRED

In the last edition for 2024 we take a look at

• Enhancing our world class agricultural traceability systems

• SE Asia raises a toast to Australian wines

• Increased demand from Bangladesh
  READ MORE

Anti-Dumping Notices Update Week Ending 16th December 2024

FTA has compiled a list of Anti-Dumping Notices from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources 
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Notices:

16.12.2024 : Anti-Dumping Commission Update Week Ending 13th December 2024... login required
12.12.2024 : ATIC - Agribusiness and Food News ... read more
12.12.2024 : Anti-Dumping Commission update 12th December 2024 ... login required
12.12.2024 : WTO report shows increase in trade restrictions against backdrop of unilateral policies ... read more
10.12.2024 : WTO - Goods barometer shows moderate trade growth as policy uncertainty looms ... read more
10.12.2024 : Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement Issuance of retrospective certificates of origin ... read more

WEBINARS & RECORDINGS

Stay at the cutting edge through participation in live webinars and access to recordings – all are FREE & EXCLUSIVE to Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) members.     LOGIN REQUIRED 

13.9.2023 : Webinars & Recordings ... login required

Operational Support
For the timeliest response from our team, FTA / APSA members are reminded to send requests for operational support to support@FTAlliance.com.au

To select your communication preferences please click on "Update Subscription Preferences" at the bottom of any FTA notice -  READ MORE

SPONSORS

FTA and APSA are proud to connect members with the following sponsors as leading suppliers of services to the freight and trade sectors.

Sponsorship prospectus is available HERE